Slow & Mindful Living

For many of us, life is an intricate tapestry of professional responsibilities, family commitments, and hopefully, personal care and development. For me and many of the women I work with, incorporating the philosophy of slow and mindful living provides peace and purpose amidst the chaos of everyday life.

There are many ways to incorporate slow living and mindfulness into your everyday life. For me, this approach is first and foremost about creating a vision for my current stage of life and making intentional choices that support that vision. It’s about putting myself in the driver’s seat and not letting life just happen to me. Of all the ways I have improved my well-being and relationships over the years, the practices of slow and mindful living have been far and away the most impactful. They have truly transformed every facet of my personal and professional life for the better.

If the idea of slow and mindful living resonates with you, think about small ways you can begin to infuse your daily activities with intention and tranquility. A regular meditation practice, occasional painting, and a fairly regular cadence of reflection/journaling are some of my favorite habits that have endured over the years. While these all have a physical component, more importantly, they have helped foster a greater sense of equanimity and ease in how I emotionally process the world.

The journey towards slow and mindful living is a continuous evolution, and while it is not a panacea for burnout, it is a good place to start. It involves making incremental changes that collectively contribute to a more serene and fulfilling life. As you embark on this path, embrace these principles — particularly the slow part when introducing new habits — and observe if and how a new habit has brought harmony and joy into your world. If you find an approach doesn’t serve you as you had hoped, let it go. Above all else, remember that you are capable and deserving of peace and contentment in your life. Embracing this lifestyle not only helps you flourish, but also allows you to be present and joyful in your most cherished relationships.